The 2025-2026 ADNOC Pro League season reaches its climax with Matchweek 26 taking place on May 15 and 16, as the fight for survival and the race for Asian qualification promise a dramatic conclusion to the campaign.
With only a narrow gap separating the teams at the bottom of the table, the final round will determine the two clubs relegated to the First Division League, while several teams are still battling for continental qualification spots.
The action begins on Friday, May 15, with three matches.
Ajman host Al Nasr at Rashid bin Saeed Stadium, while Sharjah face Khorfakkan at Sharjah Stadium, with both matches kicking off at 18:10.
Later that evening, Al Wasl meet Kalba at Zabeel Stadium at 20:45.
The season concludes on Saturday, May 16, with four matches taking place simultaneously at 19:30.
Shabab Al Ahli host Al Bataeh at Rashid Stadium, Al Dhafra face Al Wahda at Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain welcome Dibba to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, and Al Jazira take on Bani Yas at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
The relegation battle remains the biggest storyline heading into the final round. Al Dhafra sit bottom of the table with 19 points, Al Bataeh are just above them with 20 points, while Dibba remain under pressure in 12th place.
Dibba suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ajman in the previous round, while Al Dhafra were heavily beaten 5-0 by champions Al Ain. Al Bataeh, meanwhile, collected a point from a goalless draw against Sharjah.
Head-to-head records could prove decisive in the survival race.
Dibba hold the advantage over Al Bataeh after winning both league meetings this season, while Al Dhafra also edge Al Bataeh thanks to a win and a draw in their two encounters.
The meetings between Dibba and Al Dhafra ended with one victory for each side, adding further tension to the final calculations.
Dibba appear to hold the strongest chance of survival as they control their own fate if they manage to defeat Al Ain. However, the challenge remains difficult against a side aiming to complete the season unbeaten and extend the longest undefeated streak in ADNOC Pro League history.
Al Bataeh enter the final round under intense pressure, knowing that victory could guarantee survival, while a draw would leave their fate dependent on results elsewhere.
Al Dhafra face the toughest situation of all, as they must beat Al Wahda and hope both direct rivals fail to win, especially after the heavy defeat they suffered last matchweek.
The race for Asian qualification also remains open despite Al Wasl already securing continental football with their dramatic 2-1 win over Al Jazira in the previous round, which confirmed third place.
Al Ain and Shabab Al Ahli have already secured direct qualification to the AFC Champions League Elite, while Al Wasl’s continental pathway will depend on the President’s Cup final between Al Ain and Al Jazira on May 22.
If Al Ain win the cup, Al Wasl will qualify directly for the AFC Champions League Elite. However, if Al Jazira lift the trophy, Al Wasl will move into the continental playoff round instead.
Al Wahda also remain in contention for a continental place after their draw against Khorfakkan kept their hopes alive.
The club can still finish fourth, which could secure a playoff place in the AFC Champions League Elite if Al Ain win the cup, or direct qualification to the AFC Champions League Two should Al Jazira claim the title.
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